ND Explores Electric Vehicle Technology

Eaton Corporation is providing Notre Dame with state-of-the-art charging stations and Mitsubishi Motors North America is loaning the University an iMiev electric car for the next several months in order to test out the utility of incorporating electric vehicles into the campus fleet. The iMiev and demonstration charging stations will be displayed on the Irish Green this Friday and Saturday during the pep rally and tailgating for the Pitt game.

“We are looking forward to demonstrating this new and innovative technology at Notre Dame,” said John Affleck-Graves, Executive Vice President of Notre Dame. “The project will help us to further understand the potential of electric vehicles as we strive to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint on campus.”

The iMiev, or Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, is a 4-seater that can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. Its carbon footprint is 70% less than that of a gasoline-powered mini automobile. The iMiev is currently available for sale in Japan and will be available in Europe and North America in 2011.

“Through our collaboration with Notre Dame, Eaton is paving the way for the development of the infrastructure leading to the adoption and expanded use of electric vehicles,” said Jerry R. Whitaker, president of Eaton’s Electrical Sector, Americas Region

Eaton and Mitsubishi representatives will be present on the Irish Green to answer questions about the vehicle and capabilities of the charging stations.